Some leaders opposed the idea of a Holocaust Memorial and the governor’s role in making it happen. That includes former Capitol Square Board Chairman Richard Finan, who ended up resigning earlier this year, partly due to his opposition to Kasich’s intervention in the memorial process.

The structure will feature two large slabs of stone with the Star of David carved in in the middle.

While some may question the need for a Holocaust memorial on Civil War-era Statehouse grounds, the artist, Daniel Libeskind, says Ohio is the ideal place to honor the victims and liberators.

“This is the heartland—this is the center of America. So it’s not less important than New York, it’s not less important than Los Angeles,” Libeskind said. “It’s the key in many ways. And architecture can bring light—can bring importance.”

Libeskind is part of the Ground Zero redevelopment in New York and he’s designing a historical museum in China.

The Holocaust Memorial is scheduled to be finished by April of next year.